The chart below shows a the cumulative number of cases reported after the 100 case threshold has been met over time measured in days. New York has a particularly steep growth rate that left unchecked would have disastrous results. New York does not compare favorably with Hubei province or Italy in this chart.
Hubei province (green line) actually should be shifted to the right 2-5 days because WHO reporting did not begin until 1/20/20 when 258 cases were reported.